The direct descendant of one of the occupants of Kirikiriroa Pā says he supports a dual name for Hamilton.
A former mayor of Hamilton has called for a public referendum on whether to restore the name of the North Island town to Kirkiriroa.
Kirikiriroa Pā, where the Hamilton CBD now stands, was home for the hapū Ngāti Wairere up until 1864.
The land was confiscated by the Crown in retribution for the Kīngitanga, made up of tribal chiefs from the Waikato area, refusing to swear allegiance to the British Crown.
Wiremu Puke of Ngāti Wairere explained to Meriana Johnsen the significance of the name Kirikiriroa and why it should be reinstated.
